KAKAMEGA, Kenya- A police officer attached to Lumakanda Police Station has been arrested and presented before court over defilement of a child in Lugari, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has said.
The watchdog is investigating the allegation and has obtained medical records, recorded witness statements and documented the scene as it gathers evidence.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, IPOA said the matter was reported on September 27 at Lumakanda Police Station, where the officer is stationed, before being brought to the authority’s attention.
“The police officer who has been identified in connection with the allegations has since been arrested and presented before court as further investigations continue,” IPOA said.
The statement did not name the officer or specify the charges, if any, presented in court. It also did not disclose the court’s directions on detention or release.
Investigators pursue CCTV evidence
IPOA said it had deployed a team to investigate and was pursuing further evidence, including additional witness accounts and available CCTV footage.
“The investigation team is now undertaking further inquiries, including recording additional statements, extraction and analysis of available CCTV footage, and conducting an identification parade where necessary,” the authority said.
The watchdog did not disclose what the medical records or statements obtained so far had established. It also did not give a date for completing the investigation.
The child’s identity was not disclosed in the statement.
Watchdog promises impartial investigation
IPOA Chairperson Dr Duncan Ojwang’ Oburu said the authority was treating the case seriously, citing the child’s vulnerability and the nature of the allegation.
“IPOA will conduct a thorough, impartial and evidence-based investigation and will take appropriate action within its statutory mandate based on the findings,” the statement said.
The authority added that allegations of abuse of office, sexual exploitation and defilement involving police officers were a priority in its oversight work.
The officer’s arrest and court appearance mark the latest steps in the case, but IPOA said further inquiries were continuing. Its statement did not report a plea or a finding of guilt.
